EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Kadarius Toney improved from a non-participant in practice Thursday to limited Friday, a small step that could have big ramifications for the Giants on Monday night in Kansas City.
With Sterling Shepard progressing toward a possible return, the Giants could have two excellent receivers who missed last week's victory against Carolina back in the lineup to face the two-time defending AFC champion Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium.
Shepard was listed as limited for the second straight day. He has missed three of the last four games with a hamstring injury but caught 10 passes against the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 17.
Toney set a franchise rookie record with 189 receiving yards in his last full game and has 13 receptions in his last five quarters. That includes the first quarter vs. the Rams, when he caught three passes but aggravated an ankle injury eluding a defender on the last one, forcing him to miss the Carolina game.
The Giants' third wounded wideout, Kenny Golladay (knee), and running back Saquon Barkley (ankle) again did not practice.
The Giants could use as much firepower as they can deploy against the high-scoring Chiefs, who are averaging 26.9 points a game even after their three-point outing last week in Tennessee.
Asked prior to practice about Toney, Golladay and Barkley, coach Joe Judge said, "They'll start with the trainers. They should incorporate and be more with the team today than they've been the last few days. We'll see how they go with the trainers. We're expecting to get a little bit more out of those guys today, though."
Toney, who specializes in short answers when he speaks publicly, did not deviate today when asked about his condition and his status for Monday.
He offered that he is "feeling pretty good."
Asked how the ankle is coming along, he said, "day by day, listening to the trainers, follow the process."
Does he think he'll be ready to face the Chiefs?
"I mean, it's day by day," he said. "You know what I'm saying? Listening to trainers, so we'll see when it's game time."
How much did he so today?
"I was able to do enough," he said. "Progress, you know."
How close is he to "normal?"
"I feel like I'm just progressing day by day, really," he said.
Perhaps the most interesting post-practice interaction Toney had was with team president John Mara. Leonard Williams and Toney were waiting to speak to the media when cornerback James Bradberry was at the podium. Mara walked by coming off the practice field and gave both players a fist bump. When it was Toney's turn to speak, a reporter said, "not everybody gets a fist bump from the team owner. What does that say to you about how important you are?"
"No, everybody does get a fist bump from the owner," said Toney, the Giants' first-round draft choice this year. "A lot of stuff doesn't get seen around here. It's a family environment here. There isn't anybody who doesn't like anybody here. You know what I'm saying? Everybody – it's a good environment here, so that just shows you how cordial and how good everything is here."
Toney can help make it a little bit better if he plays on Monday.
View the best photos of wide receiver Kadarius Toney's rookie season with the Giants.
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs the ball against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Fabian Moreau, right, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
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New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 26th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Kadarius Toney (89)
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New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 26th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 26th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16th, 2021 in Landover, Maryland.
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a week 1 game against the Denver Broncos on September 12th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs after making a catch as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Anthony Brown (30) defends during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) escapes tackle attempts by Dallas Cowboys' Anthony Brown (30) and safety Malik Hooker, bottom right, as Toney gains long yardage after a catch in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs after a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) makes a catch against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 44-20. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) catches a pass as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Anthony Brown, bottom, defends in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys in an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) makes a leaping catch over Dallas Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26) in the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. ((Photo by Matt Strasen/AP Images for Panini))
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) warms up before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Keanu Neal (42) defends as New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) prepares to throw a pass in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
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New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) throws a pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs a route during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in New Orleans. The Giants defeated the Saints, 27-21. (Logan Bowles via AP)
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New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) lines up at the line of scrimmage prior to a play during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in New Orleans. The Giants defeated the Saints, 27-21. (Logan Bowles via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) lines up for a play in the second half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) lines up against New Orleans Saints safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (22) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) warms up before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) carries between New Orleans Saints free safety Marcus Williams (43) and cornerback Ken Crawley (25) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Brett Duke)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs against the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) carries against New Orleans Saints strong safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs off the line of scrimmage during a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 25, 2021 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) carries against New Orleans Saints strong safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
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New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs against the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) makes a catch during a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 25, 2021 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs against the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) lines up out wide during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. Washington won 30-29. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
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New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a week 2 Thursday Night football game against the Washington Football Team on Thursday September 16, 2021 in Landover, Md The Washington Football Team beat the New York Giants 30-29. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) runs a route during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. Washington won 30-29. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney runs a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday August 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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Sterling Shepard (3), Kadarius Toney (89)
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Kenny Golladay (19), Kadarius Toney (89)
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New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 10, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 10, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 9, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday August 10, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 9, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 9, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday August 9, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 9, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 9, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday August 7, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 8, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 9, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 9, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) arrives for a preseason joint practice with the New England Patriots on Wednesday August 25, 2021 in Foxborough, MA
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday August 7, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday August 7, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 8, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday August 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Saturday August 7, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday August 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during a NFL Training Camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday August 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 8, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney (89) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 8, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
Giants Draft Pick WR Kadarius Toney tours at Quest Diagnostics Training Center following the 2021 NFL Draft.
*Two other Giants 2021 draft choices – Aaron Robinson and Elerson Smith - could make their NFL debuts Monday night.
The rookies have been practicing since Oct. 20. Robinson, a cornerback from Central Florida chosen in the third round, has been on the reserve/physically unable to perform list since training camp began with a core muscle injury that required offseason surgery. Smith, an outside linebacker from Northern Iowa selected in the fourth round, was placed on injured reserve on Sept. 1 with a hamstring injury he suffered early in training camp.
"There's a chance (Robinson will play)," Judge said. "He practiced with us last week. He was out there with us yesterday doing a lot more. He's moving well. I'd say obviously coming off the injury, that kind of delayed his start with the season. I'd say he's been very encouraging in terms of how he's moving. He's been really involved schematically and game plan-wise throughout the entire course of this process with (assistant defensive backs coach) Mike Treier and (defensive backs coach) Jerome Henderson in terms of staying up on what we're doing – terminology, verbiage, communication. … We'll see where it goes these next couple days. Obviously, we've got (just-signed defensive back) J.R. (Reed) on the roster now and some other guys. We'll see how he kind of picks up the scheme stuff, but there is a chance.
"(Smith is) actually in the same boat. We'll see him out there today again. There's kind of a different list of guys at the corner, star positions, as well as the outside backers, so we'll kind of see how it shakes out."
*The Giants have an epidemic of ankle injuries. In addition to Barkley, three other players missed practice with the same issue: linebackers Lorenzo Carter and Carter Coughlin (a new addition to the injury report) and safety Nate Ebner.
Joining Toney and Shepard on the limited practice list were tight ends Evan Engram (calf) and Kaden Smith (knee) and defensive lineman Danny Shelton (pec).
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